Light in the Queen's Garden: Ida May Pope, Pioneer for Hawai'i's Daughters, 186 Hardcover – Illustrated, 31 October 2017

November 21, 20195 out of 5 starsThe story of Ida May Pope, Light in the Queen’s Garden, is a significant story of Hawaiian history; of a woman, a dedicated educator, an advocate of social change, a strong supporter of ‘her girls’ heritage, a woman of dignity. Light in the Queen’s Garden captures the daily struggles, the day-to-day travels, political and social changes, and historical events – the changes of her pupil’s lives. “On the morning of the seventh day, Ida finally caught her first glimpse of the Hawaiian Islands…” Hawaii became her home. This is a detailed, chronically written book, that is filled with emotions and life achievements of an advocate. Author, Sandra E. Bonura, a Southern California teacher of higher education, captures Ida May’s journey with the inclusion of historical events beginning in 1862 which reflects the strength of Hawaiian customs and the importance of maintaining and passing on the Hawaiian traditions to future generations. Many of Ida’s pupils became teachers and this book is an eye-opening must-read, proving that each life can influence many generations. The amazing historical letters, reports, dates and events that Bonura includes in this text is an amazing example of the usage of primary sources and of her love of Hawaii’s historical journey and demanding research to capture this time period through the eyes of Ida May Pope.

A very well written book that I enjoyed more than I expected to. A glimpse into U.S. expansion into the Kingdom of Hawaii, Victorian era mores, colonialism, women's rights, early education system... you name it, this book has it! Give it a try, no negatives to be found!

ENJOYED READING